This is a press release from the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office.
On Friday, August 1, School Resource Officer (SRO) Jessica Kite at Sallie Zetterower Elementary School was notified by a school administrator that a member of the custodial team had discovered a small, clear bag containing a suspicious white substance on the floor of a commons area inside the school.
SRO Kite promptly secured the substance and transported it to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Team (CST) for analysis. The substance was confirmed to be cocaine.
In full cooperation with law enforcement, Bulloch County Schools’ Safety Director Todd Mashburn and school administrators reviewed footage from the school’s security cameras. This review led to the identification of a potential suspect — an adult employee of the school.
The suspect, Pamela Darien, is being charged with possession of cocaine and violation of controlled substance laws within a drug-free zone. Darien voluntarily surrendered to authorities at the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, August 6, at 12:30 p.m. She is no longer employed by Bulloch County Schools.
At no point did any children come into contact with the substance. The safety of our students and staff remains a top priority for both the Bulloch County School District and the Sheriff’s Office. We commend the swift actions of school personnel and law enforcement in responding to this matter.
